Lambert Ormsby was a New Zealand surgeon who migrated to Ireland. He described his inhaler in a letter to the Lancet in 1877.Ormsby listed the advantages of his inhaler as simple, inexpensive, small quantity required to produce sleep, prevents evaporation of ether, portable and small (can be carried in pocket), short time to complete anaesthesia (two minutes) and safe. Disadvantages of this apparatus were that it had to be removed in order to recharge the sponge with ether or when anaesthesia becomes too deep. Considerable carbon dioxide accumulation developed and there would also be some oxygen lack. In thirty years of use, Ormsby's Inhaler underwent certain modifications, an exhalation valve was fitted to the mask and device for recharging the sponge with ether was later added. The Ormsby inhaler was modified by Carter Braine in 1898 with the aim of making it easier to clean. Essentially it is very similar except there is no net around the bag.The inhaler consists of an india-rubber flexible bag enclosed within a net bag to limit expansion. There is a soft metallic mouthpiece with india-rubber tubing around the edge. The tubing had to be purchased separately from the manufacturer. The body contains a wire cage with a similarly shaped hollow sponge into which ether was poured.Maker's details inscribed into metal ring around the bore: Barth Co. London.ormsby, new zealand, carbon dioxide, carbon accumulation, carter braine, portable

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The Bruck Inhaler is a historically, aesthetically and scientifically significant piece. The basic design is based on the Clover Inhaler, but with a rounded bottom. The idea of a glass viewing window was possibly inspired by Wilson-Smith Inhaler. The Bruck Inhaler is historically significant as it is the first inhaler to be made with a completely clear lower glass section. This improved the usability for the ether administrator, and eliminated much of the guesswork associated with dosage and ether levels, which in turn improved the patient experience. This piece provides a strong local link to both anaesthetic and general medical practice at the turn of the century. The design is credited to Ludwig Bruck of Sydney, and was presumably manufactured in the same area. Bruck, as the attributed designer, holds much relevance to the significance of the object, as connected with him is much historical information about the social context of medical practice. Ludwig Bruck was a prominent figure in the medical industry. He started his medical career in Sydney as a Medical Transfer Agent, and later owned a shop at 16 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. This business is listed in the 1903 Register of Firms as a Medical Agent and Importer of Medical Instruments and Books. Bruck was vocal as a journalist and published analyses of medical statistics, as well as the well known Australasian Medical Dictionary and Handbook, which included the “List of Unregistered Medical Practitioners”. Ludwig Bruck was an immigrant. He was of German descent, which placed him in a precarious position within Sydney society during the turn of century. Bruck conducted several public conversations with prominent members of the Australian Natives Association through the Sunday News in regards to his disagreement of the employment of medical practitioners by the ANA specifically to corroborate their health insurance policies. He was also a stalwart supporter of the Australian arm of the British Medical Association, being the publisher of the first and subsequent editions of The Australian Medical Gazette. Bruck chose to end his life with a combination of poison and chloroform on 14 August 1915, after being accused of trading with the enemy during World War One. His suicide note stated his horror at leaving his business partner to deal with the tarring of his reputation as the reason for his decision. The Bruck Inhaler has aesthetic significance as it is a beautiful example of turn of the century surgical design and craftsmanship. Aseptic methods of surgery were well known by 1909, and the aesthetic design of the Bruck Inhaler conformed to these principles. The ability for the surgeon to unscrew, clean and sterilize each part of the Inhaler contributes to the streamlined design of the piece. The Buck Inhaler holds scientific significance. There is the capacity for further research to be undertaken on the object. Geoffrey Kaye often collected multiple examples of equipment, usually one for reverse engineering and another for teaching. There are currently two examples of the Bruck Inhaler in the collection, presenting an opportunity for further technical research on the object. The inhaler is oval shaped with one half made of glass to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [missing]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side. There is also a tear-drop shaped fask mask.Hand engraved on side of base: L. Bruck / Sydneyclover, joseph, bruck, lambert, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, williams, probyn

The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Lambert Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.The inhaler is oval shaped with two halves. One half should be made of glass [missing] to allow observation of the ether level. A vertical cross tube, 22mm in diameter passes between the face-piece and the bag [broken]. There is a stopcock for admission of oxygen or nitrous oxide opposite the bag attachment. There is a central tube, 28mm in diameter, with controllable ports on either side.The Bruck Inhaler is a modification of the Clover Inhaler, designed by Ludwig Bruck. Bruck added a glass dome which enabled the level of ether to be monitored during administration. This was a revolutionary change as it removed guess work from the process.joseph clover, lambert bruck, inhaler, rebreather, nitrous oxide, oxygen, probyn williams, hewitt

Catalogue of surgical and anaesthetic equipment from the 1950sRed bound book with black printed text, and green and white internal pagesTyped in black and red ink onto fly page added to book: RETURN TO: / N. PALLATT, / ALLEN & HANBURYS (AFRICA) LTD. / 1956.catalogue, surgical, anaesthetic

Surgical and anaesthetic equipment catalogue from 1938Black bound book with gold leaf text on front cover and spine and white internal pages with blue printed text and illustrationsBook plate adhered to inside cover: SCIENTIA SAULTEM FERAMUS / SIR ANTHONY JEPHCOTT, BT. Handwritten in blue ink: J. Jephcott / NOV 1977

Undated catalogue outlining anaesthetic apparatus designed and supplied by MIE (Medical and Industrial Equipment), London.Blue cardboard covered book with low sheen white pages. Bound using staples through the spine and star pins.

Undated catalogue outlining a range of respirators available through Garthur (London) Ltd.Pale blue [discoloured] cardboard covered book with blue pages printed in black ink, bound by a staple through the spine.Handwritten in blue ink on front cover: P. Penn

Undated catalogue outlining all anaesthetic equipment available through A. Charles King Ltd.Brown cardboard covered book with white glossy pages, held together by a star clip.

This book is the third edition of the "Golden Rules of Anaesthesia" and, while it is instructional in style, predates any formal text book on the subject. The first text book in Australia, Practical Anaesthesia, was published in 1932.Book with beige coloured cloth over heavy cardboard cover with gold leaf printing on front cover.Handwritten in black ink on spine: Anaesthesia •Handwritten in black ink on white label adhered to back cover: A.S.A. •Handwritten in blue and black ink on inside cover: Presented to the / ASA / by / W.D. Counsell / 17 June 1952 •Stamped in blue/purple ink on fly sheet: AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF ANAESTHETISTS / FACULTY OF ANAESTHETISTS / ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN COLLEGE OF SURGEONSbook, instruction manual, golden rules

Grey/brown hardcover book with cloth covering produced as a trade catalogue for surgical instruments and appliances, including anaesthetic equipment and apparatus

This tube is designed for left pneumonectomy (surgical removal of a lung or part of a lung). The left stem bronchus may be completely blocked off, while the right lung is inflated. There is provision for aspiration of the left bronchus.Rubber tubing with curved and tapered end for insertion into lung. Three smaller tubes come off the larger end, two of which have small rubber valves attached. The tube appears with a banded effect however, the banding is represents the now disintegrated rubber cuff.Blue sticker with white writing on side of tube: S.I.6.bronchus, bronchial, blocker, pneumonectomy, macintosh, leatherdale

Mottled brown cardboard box containing twelve (12) metal needles woven through a metal tray and covered in clear plastic.Handwritten in red ink on front cover of box: ML172hypodermic, needle, syringe, flag brand, england

Mottled brown cardboard box containing twelve (12) metal needles woven through a metal tray and covered in clear plastic.Handwritten in blue ink on front cover of box: ML172hypodermic, needles, flag brand

Brown cardboard box with sliding insert containing hypodermic needles. On the front of the box is a buff coloured manufacturer's label with rust coloured print. On the rear of the box is a white coloured manufacturer's label with rust coloured print. The box has a thin strip of rust coloured plastic all the way around it. The insert has allocation for six needles but there are only four present.Stamped in black ink on front of box: EXPLORING / 19 B.W.G. 3 INCH •Stamped into metal at flat of connector: ARNOLD / SShypodermic, needle, syringe, john bell & croydon, arnold & sons

Blue cardboard box with gold manufacturer's label on front. There is a blue cardboard slide tray holding twelve (12) needles.Stamped into the flat connector on each needle: 23 / SOLILAhypodermic, needle, syringe, m fabian, east malvern

Racing green cardboard box with cardboard slide tray holding three needles. There is allocation in the slide tray for twelve (12) needles. There is a white manufacturer's label on the front of the box.Stamped onto the flat of each needle: NON / STAIN / STEELhypodermic, needle, syringe, empire

Blue cardboard box with lighter blue manufacturer's label and blue cardboard slide tray holding four (4) needles. The slide tray has allocation for twelve (12) needles.Stamped in red ink on manufacturer's label: RECORD Stamped into flat of needle: SOL / 24hypodermic, needle, syringe, amalgamated dental

White cardboard box with green plastic strip around the centre and white manufacturer's label with green and red printed text on front of box. The box has a cardboard slide tray inside holding nine (9) needles, although there is allocation for twelve (12).Stamped in purple ink onto manufacturer's label: SHORT / BEVEL POINTShypodermic, needle, syringe, thackray, reality brand

Brown cardboard box with buff coloured manufacturer's label adhered to front and cardboard slide tray containing a metal tray with seven (7) needles attached. The tray is surrounded by clear plastic.Handwritten in black ink on manufacturer's label: Short Bevelhypodermic, needle, syringe, the star, england, short bevel

Blue cardboard box with lighter blue manufacturer's label and blue cardboard slide tray holding eleven (11) needles. The slide tray has allocation for twelve (12) needles.hypodermic, needle, syringe, solila, amalgamated dental

Metal tin with hinged side and allocated space for twelve (12) needles with only five (5) needles present.Stamped into flat of connector: ACIDEX / 17hypodermic, needle, syringe, acidex, germany

Plastic wrapped and sealed packet of twelve (12) hypodermic needles woven into a cardboard tray and wrapped in an orange manufacturer's label with black and white printed text. hypodermic, needle, syringe, vim, firth-brearley, england

Brown and white cardboard box containing blue cardboard tray with six (6) needles embedded into it. There is allocation for twelve (12) needles.hypodermic, needle, syringe, luer lock, ramsay surgical limited, japan

Brown and white cardboard box with white manufacturer's label adhered to the front. The box contains clear plastic tubes, holding two (2) metal needles in each tube. There is allocation for six (6) needles in the tubing, but only four (4) needles are present. There is allocation for another tubing section, but that is not present.Stamped into flat portion of connector: YALE / RUSTLESS / B-D / 25hypodermic, needle, syringe, yale, regular point, b-d lok, becton, dickinson & co, rutherford

Rectangular red cardboard box with red cardboard sliding insert containing four (4) needles which appear to be of two separate types. White [discoloured] manufacturer's label adhered to front of box with red printed text and manufacturer's logo.Typed in black ink on yellow sticker stuck to side of box: 20 x 3in Handwritten in brown ink on manufacturer's label: [indecipherable] / doz / 20SWGx3"hypodermic, needle, syringe, sterilex, warner & webster, england, melbourne, stainless steel

White cardboard box with white manufacturer's label with black and red printed text. Inside the box is a white plastic tray holding twelve (12) needles wrapped in white tissue paper.Stamped in black ink on underside of cardboard box: 85320Whypodermic, needle, syringe, dozen top, luer lock, top surgical, tokyo, japan

Cream coloured metal tin with hinged side and manufacturer's information in red and black printed text on front of tin. Inside tin are twelve (12) needles on a metal tray which is wrapped and sealed with a plastic covering.hypodermic, needle, syringe, unimed, switzerland

Cream coloured metal tin with hinged side and manufacturer's information in red and black printed text on front of tin. Inside tin are twelve (12) needles on a metal tray which is wrapped and sealed with a plastic covering.hypodermic, needle, syringe, unimed, switzerland

Brown and white coloured cardboard box with white and black manufacturer's label adhered to front with plastic tray inside box containing twelve (12) hypodermic needles.Moulded into plastic tray: B-D TWIN PAK Stamped into flat section of connector: B-D 27 Stamped in red ink on inside base of box base: 6 MAR. 1965hypodermic, needle, syringe, b-d, luer-lok, becton, dickinson, mexico

Folded paper packet containing suture needles, with original seals still in place. The packet is white with blue printed text.Stamped in blue ink on reverse: 1/2 CIRCLE / CUTTING EDGEneedle, suture, de vahl, england